Fixing bikes for mates sucks!!

[Conquiztador]

I recon I have done the last "I can help you mate" one.

My sons mates GN250 was the last drop.

Today I was told that I did do a crappy job and that is why the bike now won't run. This is apperently the story that goes around.

Here: My son's mate has a GN250. He did not check the oil level and so the top end blew. His dad rides a bike, but does not have the knowledge to fix. So I said "Hey, bring it to me and I take her apart and check what happened".

So they did.

It took me a few weeks to get to it. Honestly, as I was doing it for free, it was not top of my priority. But at last I did pull the head off. And there was a valve that had dropped, smashed piston and pieces everywhere.

So I told them: "U need a piston, valves, work on head. And probably split motor to clean out, and also a conrod as it most probably will be bent. New parts approx $500 - $1000. Waste of money. Bike is worth, what? $1,5K?. So I find a cheap motor and we will marry them."

"OK" the dad says. "I think about it." He leaves the bike with me.

A few weeks later he turns up with a s/h motor and says: "I got this one for $800 from a guy who told me it is mint"... "Right..." I say (been there done that...)

"OK" I say, "I fit it and we see".

So I do. A couple of weeks later. The motor looks like it is old and... but who am I to judge? I never open the motor, just fit it, new oil and start it. OK, so it runs ok. No smoke, so I think "Maybe".

I take her for a run. But clutch is slipping...

The dad comes over. I tell him re the clutch. I say: "We can fit the clutch from old motor and U be sweet. But perhaps you wanna leave as is and contact seller?"

So he decides to take away as is, and he also takes damaged motor.

I say:"U be OK to swap clutch your self?"

"Yep" he says.

Last I hear. I see them now and then. Boy now drives car and GN sits in garage. They never did anything re clutch.

Then I hear that I did a crappy job and the bike is now not working as a result of my workmanship... (That is what his mum is telling ppl)

I charged zilch!
I offered to sort the clutch for zilch!
I never opened the fuckin motor!
I even said that if any problems, just bring back and I will sort it! For free!!!

And then I hear that I am crap at fixing bikes!!!


Also had another similar situation a little earlier: Fixed up a bike, sold it cheap to a mate of my son. ($1,5K bike for $1,1K) Told him that if any issues, bring back. Never came back, but his dad hates me as I apperently "ripped his son off". Not 100% sure what happened but it sounds like they got a hole in one piston. After 3 months of daily use. And it apperently is my fault on a bike from early 80's...

So thats it. From now on I charge. And do nothing for "mates".

[Pussy]

Tell them... Fuck! Good on you for being so helpful, and I'm sorry to hear it wasn't appreciated

[tri boy]

Many mechanics will feel your pain mate.
Trying to help tight arse pricks ultimately raises your blood pressure, lowers your standing in their dipshit eye's, and generally wastes your valuable drinking time.
Reasoning with uneducated fools is one of the crosses that we all must carry.
In a day or two you'll feel more relaxed about it.;)

[awayatc]

know where you are coming from.....have learned my lessons as well....

You fix stuff for people who obviously ar not handy, and then more often then not after a while something else shits itself.....
which directly or indirectly gets blamed on your unrelated original repair.....

I now rather buy dead or sick vehicles, fix em and sell em.....
Lot more profitable.....

:scooter:

[fire eyes]

did any of your sons friends or friends parents ... actually say thankyou? .. for the time & consideration spent on helping.

[NOMIS]

been there done that, welded up a mates cast iron headers with a tig welder told him it gunna be birdshit but at least it wont leak, he went round showing every one my crusty welds, what did he expect sheesh. its cast not steel

[Conquiztador]

Need to learn to say: "NO!"

Been there before too:

Many years ago someone I knew had bought a 1/2 done beach buggy (the VW type) and he needed the electrics done.

So I did. For free... Spent a day pulling wires throught a crappy fibreglass body. Connected to battery (that was loose) and all worked. Sweet!.

So I tell him: You need to fit battery to body, and you need to do the earth-wiring properly after the battery is fitted. You be OK doing that?

The normal answer from someone who just want to get out and show off: "Yep, I be OK"

A week later I hear from another mate: "You did a crappy job of the elctrics. Works when it wants to."

So I go and have a look at the buggy and find that the battery is where I last did see it...well almost, it has now moved as a result of his driving and not being ancored to the body. And the earth connection is loose...

[MDR2]

Pretty crappy experiances there mate, It is a pretty fine line that you walk when friends are involved, I helped a friend do an engine swap for another friend on a car last year and it was stricktly cash in the hand and no garuntees on workmanship because HE sourced the motor.

Try not to lose any sleep over it, if you want you could always go around spreading rumours that the guy you dealt with told you that 'his wife was a lousy root'

[ynot slow]

Ungratefull wankers.Brother had same situation as an apprentice sparky(on his last 500 hours till tradesman) ,my supervisor at work when I was an apprentice asked me if my bro would be keen on wiring his new double garage on weekend for a cash job.

Brother worked out cable,sockets etc,added his labour and said yep will cost $xyz.Supervisor said when can you start,we did start next weekend,me running cables and clipping for him.After 2 Sundays of about 5hr each day,my bro gave him the account,which was for parts and labour,at the time the labour was $10hour(didn't pay me/charge for me),after agreeing to get the job done at the cost the dickhead whinged about paying 10 hour at $10ph $100 total labour.Brother said no worries I can rip the cable out,come back on Monday and do it for $25per hour.He would and still does the odd trade for trade barter.

[Henk]

Standard stuff. I'll now advise and help but not do the job. Got sick of people drinking my beer watching me work on their bike.

[awayatc]

Will always stop for anybody who breaks down....
BUT....
This last trip off I have Politely but firmly turned three different people from the neighbourhood away.....
Sorry not interested .....Bizzy

Select few only are still on list

:scooter:

[rok-the-boat]

Yeah - been there done that. But, the way to do it is to complete the job.

[HungusMaximist]

You get that sort of dumb shit all the time with you fixing other people's stuff for free.

It's not a new story but I am glad you pointed it out your experience. Best to either not to touch the bikes at all, or sort out some sort of warning/disclaimer if things fuck up you are not held liable.

It's really stupid how good relationships can turn sour because of some misunderstandings.

[Ixion]

Yup. Everyone's been there. I won't fix things for people who can't do it themselves (a few exceptions ).

I'll assist, show them what to do, explain what they're seeing. But they do the work , they make the decisions.

If they're not clued up enough to actually do any of it, I can't help. Take it to a garage, call a tradesman.

That's why garages and tradesmen won't give you the "according to the book you need $$$$$$ but we can sort it for <<<< " any more. They know there's too much risk that it will come back and bite them.

[kevfromcoro]

Standard stuff. I'll now advise and help but not do the job. Got sick of people drinking my beer watching me work on their bike.

been there and done that,,,,,drink all your beer .while you work on the bike.
thanks they say...will drop you off some beers to-morrow. not that shit you are drinking.and of course never see it...
people...hmphh

[The Stranger]

No good deed shall go unpunished.

[sidecar bob]

No good deed shall go unpunished.

Agreed!! The problem poster#1 is that you associated with a total loser, I did that once, & not only did i fix the bike up mint, but i also got a punch in the head from the drug addled owner at the end of it.
I have also joined the never again club.

[nevets]

Breathe in, Breathe out, and move on.

Sucks big time I know, but you've just got to be choosier of who you help.

[Conquiztador]

Breathe in, Breathe out, and move on.

Sucks big time I know, but you've just got to be choosier of who you help.

Agreed.

I will help my self. And charge the rest.

[toycollector10]

The world is full of f*ckers who think that you owe them something.

Nice work, trying to help someone out for free, but it's a sort of 1950's thing that doesn't work in the 3rd millenium. Now, it's all about me, me, me, and what you can do for me. And when it doesn't work out, it's a case of you now owe me. You bastard!

[MentalFacility]

Been there too. Mostly helping people out with there busted computers...

Oh well, now I only help those who im sure about.

[Timber020]

Man I hear you, I am always being asked to do "little jobs" for people. And I try to help out. But when you turn up and use 50k worth of quickly depreciating gear, risk your life you would think you wouldnt get many complaints. ha!

Or for free you go way out of your way to drop 2 tonnes of pine rings off for firewood and all you hear from them is "but its not split" although you told them 3 times that it wouldnt be.

[The Stranger]

Seriously, you sound like a generous person.
Are you going to let some arsehole/s change that?

Fucked if I would. I do a lot of work for others for nix and I aint going to let someone elses actions change me into a miserable cunt.






Ok, ok hit me with the wise cracks now.

[Conquiztador]

Seriously, you sound like a generous person.
Are you going to let some arsehole/s change that?

Fucked if I would. I do a lot of work for others for nix and I aint going to let someone elses actions change me into a miserable cunt.

Ok, ok hit me with the wise cracks now.

Hmmm... I hate when you do that!

[sidecar bob]

Poster#1 I suggest you rock around to the offenders house & explain how the situation works. (Unfortunately however un nesacary it seems, you will need to explain it to them because clearly they are grade A dumbasses) Ask what their issue is & tell them FUCK quite clearly.
Possibly you could also give them a bill that reflects a fair representation of your time spent on the bike. Youre not fuckin Santa Claus, so why wouldnt you.

[FROSTY]

Dude --been there done that.
Dont let the attitudes of the ungrateful concern you.
You know you did the right thing.
In my experience the truth has a funny way of comeing to light.

[Okey Dokey]

That's a rotten thing to have happen to you. Try not to despair. There are more good people than wankers out there, even if it doesn't seem like it at the moment.

[Slyer]

Know how you feel eh. Get so many people in my IT job who blame me for their completely unrelated IT problems.
Blame me when their hardware fails after doing a software upgrade... *sigh*

I charge $5 - $10 for all computer repairs for my mates if I have to do it all by myself. If they are helping with the work I don't ask for anything.

[imdying]

Yep... people suck arse. I used to repair brake/clutch/throttle cables on the weekend to help people out of bind... used to offer that service to KB members too... you know the rest.

[fire eyes]

*Exchange In Energy*

Trade services ... you fix thier bike .. they do your lawns! :first:

Unfortunately you can't control what comes out of folks mouths if they want to disrespect your time & effort that went into helping .. don't stress! think about it for a minute ... the mother who indulges in defamation of your considerate character may not be getting any nookie nookie! and the father well possible impotence? lol (disclaimer .. I am not laughing at his possible impotence I am laughing with it) .. turn it around dudeeeeeeeeeeee ... there are genuine people who actually appreciate help and most often than not, are more than willing to return favours or exchange energy that is beneficial to both parties.

Rock On! :headbang:

[ManDownUnder]

Far out... sucks dunnit?

THEY always have the option of swapping the original motor back in to get it back to how it was... or THEY can pay some professional services (i.e. a mechanic) to do it if THEY are not happy with something THEY didn't pay for.

THEY are well ahead of the game at this point... and THEY need to recognise that.

THEY should also bring any problems THEY have with you - to you so answers can be gained rather than the traditional "I feel better by making them look worse".

THEY need to be avoided like the plague... and if sounds like YOU have nothing to answer for.

What would happen if you picked up the phone to them and asked about the bad reputation you seem to be getting for some reason - and take it solely from the point of view that you don't understand. Let THEM bring it to you. You might have something to learn (it doesn't sound like it but then I only have one side of the story here... not having a go - just stressing the need for a balanced perspective)

If THEY can't put up... THEY can shut up

Above all - don't let this rip you a new one. Stay generous, but avoid the leeches... there's a few of them around.

[Flip]

Dont stop helping folk because of a few nutters. You only drop yourself to their level. Im an engineer and been there done that and will probably do it again. I bet they rode the GN until the clutch pack disintergrated and thats why they are nutting out.

[MSTRS]

As others have said, tis a shame that a few spoil it for the majority who would be genuinely grateful. Always the way. The odd thing is how the few always seem to be the ones to find 'you'...

[sidecar bob]

there are genuine people who actually appreciate help and most often than not, are more than willing to return favours or exchange energy that is beneficial to both parties.


And then there are dumbarse gold digging users with severe behavioural & social interaction issues that will suck up all you give & want more.

[imdying]

there are genuine people who actually appreciate help and most often than not, are more than willing to return favours or exchange energy that is beneficial to both parties.Exchange favours eh :blip::whistle::hug:

[Ixion]

IME the people who appreciate assistance are the ones who are entirely receptive to the idea that "I won't do it for you, but I'll assist you to do it". The ones who have a problem with doing it themselves under guidance usually have an entitlement attitude. They're not interested in helping themselves, or trying anything new, and expect someone to do it all for them.

Of course, sometimes the "guidance' may have to be fairly significant - but the point is that the person "owns" the process, no matter how much of the actual task they end up doing themselves.

[Winston001]

Good advice Ixion.

I feel for you Conq it is a bitter cup to swallow when you have helped out, only to have your name trashed afterwards.

My observation over the years is that the average person undervalues what they get for free. I'm probably guilty of that myself.

As a result I've seldom ever done contra deals - job exchanged for job. Seen it go wrong too many times including a guy who got sued because the other guy denied he'd ever got the free work he'd received.

But it would be a sad world if we didn't help each other so I guess it comes down to following Ixion's example and being careful who you say yes to.

[Squiggles]

I've only ever worked on someone elses bike once when they werent around, and i dont plan on doing it anytime soon. If they want me to do it, they can pay me to do it. But if they want to do it, with my help, thats fine by me... They must understand though, that nothing is going to happen to the bike while they're not around.

[fire eyes]

And then there are dumbarse gold digging users with severe behavioural & social interaction issues that will suck up all you give & want more.


Whoooaaaa ... yes there are those definitely .. tragic really but hey there are equally as many good folk to. It's all just an experience at the end of the day :buggerd:

[fire eyes]

Exchange favours eh :blip::whistle::hug:

Oi you! Cut that out!:girlfight:

[phantom]

I try and avoid fixing friend's computers as the perception seems to be that we are all computer geeks who know everything about anything vaguely computer related and love being rung up at anytime of the night or day for ongoing advice. I am a technician - I fix hardware, software is the cause of me drinking too much. Not really , but someone has to take the blame. And now you have got me started, why does evryone expect to be able to borrow your tools. We run a gardening and landscaping business so everyone wants to borrow the trailer, the weedeater, the water blaster, the chainsaw, the ........ For friends we will give them a hand by turning up with our gear and helping out but we do not lend out the very things that help us make the money we need to eat and clothe ourselves and our children:niceone:

[NOMIS]

What i hate most is people who ask you your advise and then say " noooo" but rararara" ... that really gets to me.

I have a friend with a bmw. Asked me advice on his car ( im qualified he doesnt have a clue )

Then he say's nah but this and that and this is right , no you do this .. WHY ASK ME IF YOU ALREADY KNOW BETTER.

Another one I had was someone brought some springs, comes round jacks up theit car in my garage then expected me to do it. I said im busy, so they go ahead pulling it apart don't know what there doing then expected me to finish it because they stuffed it up took everything out wrong, miss placed nuts and bolts almost killed themselves using my spring compressor. lost my tools. scratched my new rattle gun didn't drain the moisture out of air compressor so all the water was still sitting in it.. arrghh


** HAD TO KEEP PEOPLE LIKE THE STRANGER HAPPY *** .... as they have nothing better to do than complain about peoples typo errors on a public forum

[Slyer]

I've only ever worked on someone elses bike once when they werent around, and i dont plan on doing it anytime soon. If they want me to do it, they can pay me to do it. But if they want to do it, with my help, thats fine by me... They must understand though, that nothing is going to happen to the bike while they're not around.

Unless it's a pocket rocket and you want to ride it eh? :)

[The Stranger]

What i hate most is people who ask you your advise and then say " noooo" but rararara" ... that really gets to me.

I have a friend with a bwm. Asked me advise on his car ( im qualified he doesnt have a clue )

Then he say s nah but this and that and this is right , no you do this .. WHY ASK ME IF YOU ALREADY NO BETTER.

Another one i had was someone broguht some springs comes round jacks up there car in my garage then expected me to do it i said im busy, so they go ahead pulling it aprat dont no what there doing then expected me to finish it because they stuffed it up took everything out wrong, missplace nuts and bolts almost killed themselves using my spring compressor. lost my tools. scratched my new rattle gun didnt drain the moisture out of air compressor so all the water was still sitting in it.. arrghh

Just a thought here.
Perhaps you could do their work for them in exchange for English and spelling lessons?

[pritch]

Then I hear that I did a crappy job and the bike is now not working as a result of my workmanship... (That is what his mum is telling ppl)


Really you should be grateful to his mum. :2thumbsup

Her story will be a disincentive to like minded leeches among their mates. Hopefully you will be left in peace as a consequence.

[wysper]

I try and avoid fixing friend's computers as the perception seems to be that we are all computer geeks who know everything about anything vaguely computer related and love being rung up at anytime of the night or day for ongoing advice. I am a technician - I fix hardware, software is the cause of me drinking too much. Not really , but someone has to take the blame.

I hear you. I have a mate (he is on this fourm) he is always happy to help with my comp when I am having issues. While I am ok with comps he just knows more. I supply good coffee, junk food and smart arse wisecracks. Seems to work for us.

I am in the hifi game. I get people asking to fix/set up there hometheatres/stereos all the time. If they are good mates I am happy to. Or good friends of friends I will usually try to help out. I don't charge. However if they want me to FIX something (which is not my strong suit) I stress that while I wont charge them there is a chance that item A will NEVER work again LOL

And to the OP, I can understand why you wouldn't wan't to help anyone any more, but you sound like a good bastard. I hope you get the good karma you deserve.

[Spyke]

Ixions got it. :Punk:

It's when inexperienced people get older things that need a bit of love to keep them going good, but they don't understand how to do those little things to keep the old thing running, they get someone to fix the problem on the cheap, which means normally temporary fixture and is a little touchy!!!! (which non mechanically illiterate can't handle)

They're much better buying a brand new bike and not being tight and taking it to a shop for check ups.

conquiztador helped me change a gear selector shaft for my ts185, we used old parts so I'd expect the job to be not entirely perfect. But as long as I realise the parts aren't brand new and I may have to keep an eye on it or have a little tamper with it, it should be great.

Conquiztador are you still keen to help with the front wheel?

My little imput.

[NOMIS]

Just a thought here.
Perhaps you could do their work for them in exchange for English and spelling lessons?

I could , but then I would have to take lessons on giving a shit as well.

Or lessons on how to push delete and finding the motovation to fix my spelling mistakes,

Then again not.

[fire eyes]

Really you should be grateful to his mum. :2thumbsup

Her story will be a disincentive to like minded leeches among their mates. Hopefully you will be left in peace as a consequence.

bloody good point! bling bling

[Patrick]

Then I hear that I did a crappy job and the bike is now not working as a result of my workmanship... (That is what his mum is telling ppl)




Really you should be grateful to his mum. :2thumbsup

Her story will be a disincentive to like minded leeches among their mates. Hopefully you will be left in peace as a consequence.

Pritch is spot on. You did a bloody good deed and if they can't see that, and want to stay away, a top result coz you don't need em.

One night, in a really crowded room, ask that big mouthed mum for the change she owes you from the $5 blow job she gave ya... that'll shut her up.:eek:

[Conquiztador]

Ixions got it. :Punk:



Conquiztador are you still keen to help with the front wheel?

My little imput.

Yep, You know how to get in contact with me. :)

[gammaguy]

in my experience doing work for mates or acquaintances is a thankless task.now i make sure that i charge for my time and if they dont like it they can take their machine to a bike shop.having said all that i am now very fussy who i do private work for and never work on anyones"project"or handyman special as it always ends in tears and unrealistic expectations dashed.
ya cant polish a turd,and too many people see their turds thru tinted glasses,and blame you when they still stink.:blink:

[Mom]

I recon I have done the last "I can help you mate" one. So thats it. From now on I charge. And do nothing for "mates".


Please dont stop helping less than knowing people out.

Getting great big dollops of shit dumped on you after the fact would be more than enough for me to say Fuck it! That is the last time I ever do this too!

I am sorry you got bagged for what you did, all I can say is some folk are dick heads, and would not know a good thing if they tripped over it.

It is people like you that give, that make this world a nicer place.

Thank you.

[The Stranger]

in my experience doing work for mates or acquaintances is a thankless task.


Ok, we are a bit different. I respect your position, however I have a different position.
In my experience, doing work for mates is by and large very rewarding. Knowing I have saved them money and that the job is done properly is a bonus.



now i make sure that i charge for my time and if they dont like it they can take their machine to a bike shop.


In my whole life I have never charged a friend for my time and as long as my arse points to the ground I wont be.



having said all that i am now very fussy who i do private work for and never work on anyones"project"or handyman special as it always ends in tears and unrealistic expectations dashed.
ya cant polish a turd,and too many people see their turds thru tinted glasses,and blame you when they still stink.:blink:

I see where you are going there. However see it a little different.
I am old enough and no longer that hungry that I have to do rough work.
I turn down any work - paid or otherwise - where there is an expectation that I will do a quick dirty fix or supply parts based soley on lowest cost.

[Mom]

I am old enough and no longer that hungry that I have to do rough work.

I would have agreed with all of that but, you used the old word! I am aged (like fine wine and good cheese) enough to agree with the not so hungry comment though!

[The Stranger]

like fine wine and good cheese


Like vinegar and mould?

[Mom]

Like vinegar and mould?

Yeah! My faves....

Oh those challenging ports...those nasty Stiltons....:love:

[Conquiztador]

Some posts to consider. And also heaps of support. Appreciated.

I don't really give a shit that I got nothing. I wanted nothing. What pees me off is that suddenly my wokmanship is in question for something I have nothing to do with. And nothing has been said to me. It is all behind the back.

I was thinking that I was really thick skinned. But I can still feel it.

I actually enjoy sitting in the backyard in the sun fixing a bike and having a beer. If I could I would do that instead of work. (and some writing). There is something about creating something, fixing a broken thingimabob. And then having the satisfaction to see it work, knowing I have sorted it. I do that often to my own stuff. And I am glad I can do it, saves $$'s and also keeps me happy.

So perhaps the solution is to only do it for my own enjoyment and only do my own bikes. Then if/when sold to give place for something else, sell it as strictly AIWI with no come backs...

Clearly a change of attitude. But would solve this problem.

[Max Headroom]

Ok, we are a bit different. I respect your position, however I have a different position.
In my experience, doing work for mates is by and large very rewarding. Knowing I have saved them money and that the job is done properly is a bonus.
In my whole life I have never charged a friend for my time and as long as my arse points to the ground I wont be.
However see it a little different.
I am old enough and no longer that hungry that I have to do rough work. I turn down any work - paid or otherwise - where there is an expectation that I will do a quick dirty fix or supply parts based soley on lowest cost.

I have a similar philosophy. I would prefer to do work for selected friends for free, because I know they appreciate it. I know this because they willingly reciprocate.

I got bitten recently by an aquaintance with a bike the same model as mine. He saw my bike parked at an event and told me he "wanted what I had". I made the mistake of assuming several things: firstly that he had a grasp of how many $$$ were involved; secondly that he had those $$$ in the bank; and thirdly that he would make some contribution to me for my (not inconsiderable) commitment of time, resources and experience.

Eighteen months after stripping it down and giving him a rundown of the stuff needing attention (complete engine overhaul, gearbox overhaul, forks, carbs, electrics etc) I have discovered he has no money.

Haven't been caught like this for quite a while......

[geoffm]

Like many others, I work on the sweat equity basis - yes I will help you, but you have to help. It might not be much more than passing tools and beer, but bring old clothes. You will be doing the grinding and sweeping the floor...
It is amazing how many people disappear when they ahve to be involved.
Geoff

[=cJ=]

I had the pleasure of pulling the head off a mates car the other day, BHG kinda killed it.

Was the first time I've had someone pretty much dive in at the other end of the engine and start working.

Well stoked, unlike my flatmate, who STILL hasn't got round to getting the parts to fix his bike, which I am fast losing the motivation to help fix...